Many readers have commented that the selection we posted doesn’t fully represent all the many types of furniture built in the South – and that’s true. What we didn’t make clear is that our book is going to concentrate on the vernacular style – comparatively simple pieces when you consider the high-style work that was also produced in the region during the 18th and 19th centuries (such as the table pictured above, from the museum’s furniture collection).

What we want to do is introduce the vernacular style, which isn’t as well-known – we think it’s gorgeous, and it deserves equal recognition.

The plan is to pick the pieces we (and you) think best represent this style, and produce measured drawings. Plus, we’ll be providing the history of each of the selected pieces, and an introduction to Southern furniture and makers, as well as to this vernacular style.

Assuming we can stay on schedule, we should have the book out in time for Woodworking in America (late September, 2011). So if you’ll please excuse me, I must go crack the whip.